Best RC Radios for Sport and Recreation

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 7, 2024
Do you enjoy recreation activities in the park with your kid? We're sure you do! Undoubtedly, one of the best RC radios will break ...Read more
PROS

The Arris RadioLink AT9 allows smooth operation of the sticks and has a micro USB to upgrade the firmware. Moreover, a well-lit display is easy to use.

CONS

Bright parts of the body are sensitive to stains. 

OUR VERDICT

The Arris transmitter has a user-friendly design and 9 channels to handle even the most challenging quadrocopters or helicopters. It is an ideal solution for either competition or recreation.

detailed parameters
Model type
  • Airplane
  • Quadcopter
  • Helicopter
Dimensions/Weight

10 x 8.5 x 4.6 inches

2.1 pounds

Frequency

2.4GHz ISM band (2400MHz to 2485MHz)

Control Range

0.9km on Land / 1.5km on Air 

Channels

Power supply

 8 high-quality AA alkaline batteries

Recommended age

12 years and up

PROS

This transmitter has an adjustable steering wheel and a responsive throttle. The response time is 13 ms that is quite fast and ensures you almost an instant reaction. 

CONS

The steering wheel is close to the throttle trigger.

OUR VERDICT

The Traxxas RC is great for regular use. It has long operation time and is equipped with a wireless module to output valuable information on your smartphone display. 

detailed parameters
Model type
  • Car
Dimensions/Weight

8.6 x 8 x 3 inches

0.63 pounds

Frequency

2.4GHz

Control Range

~ 360 feet

Channels

Power supply

 4 high-quality AA alkaline batteries

Recommended age

15 years and up

PROS

The Flysky  RC has a convenient location of the steering wheel and a big backlit display with efficient navigation. There is also a pinout of the channels on it for fast and correct connection. 

CONS

Batteries discharge quickly.

OUR VERDICT

The Flysky RC 3 is easy to use and fits your hand perfectly. You will notice that to adjust steering and stabilize motion you just need to set up trimmers and reversal of controls. 

detailed parameters
Model type
  • Car
  • Boat
Dimensions/Weight

6.3 x 12.4 x 3.9 inches

1.3 pounds

Frequency

2.4GHz ISM band (2400MHz to 24835MHz)

Control Range

N/A

Channels

Power supply

 8 high-quality AA alkaline batteries

Recommended age

14 years and up

PROS

The Futaba 2DR AM R162JE is an ergonomic device with a built-in handle which explains its portability. Also, there is an antenna that can be folded up if it is required.  

CONS

There are only two channels for mode control. 

OUR VERDICT

Due to a simple work and smooth motion of the levers and sticks, you will drive any vehicle or boat. Their size is small, so it will be convenient to control for both children and adults.   

detailed parameters
Model type
  • Car
  • Boat
Dimensions/Weight

10.9 x 8 x 4.2 inches

1.4 pounds

Frequency

27 MHz or 75MHz 

Control Range

N/A

Channels

2

Power supply

 8 high-quality AA alkaline batteries

Recommended age

15 years and up

PROS

The GoolRC FS-T6 has a multi-directional antenna that provides you with jamming free radio transmission. Also, it has very low power consumption and a very sensitive receiver. 

CONS

There is no built-in timer. 

OUR VERDICT

The GoolRC Transmitter has an intuitive interface, simple menu, and quite a big display. Therefore, you won't face any difficulties with any of the control settings. 

detailed parameters
Model type
  • Glider
  • Heli
  • Airplane
Dimensions/Weight

10.2 x 9 x 5 inches

0.87 pounds

Frequency

2.4GHz ISM band (2400MHz to 24835MHz)

Control Range

1000 feet on Air

Channels

6

Power supply

 8 high-quality AA alkaline batteries

Recommended age

8 years and up

Many Options

If you like performing tricks on model aircraft, the RadioLink AT9 is what you need. It has nine channels to control different parts of the RC models. This controller goes with a special receiver that is installed on the aircraft. The transmitter itself is high quality and has many switches for simpler operation. With such a wide range of options, you will control even professional RC airplanes and gliders without any difficulties. Moreover, you can select the model that you'd like to drive from the menu on a screen. It has a very straightforward and intuitive interface. There are many settings that can be adjusted to your needs, from some very simple like changing the name of an RC to more complicated requiring assigning different functions. The movement of working levers is smooth and easy which is essential for fast and accurate signal transmission. Plus if you don't like the response of a lever, you can always readjust it. You will find such an option in the menu with other extended settings. Besides, if you are new to radio control equipment, you will find all the required information in the manual that is very coherent and contains detailed instructions. You can also fly RC helicopters with the RadioLink AT9. Trust us you won't waste your time and will amaze your friends with cool tricks. 

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0152VO92G

Simple Operation

Controlling RC trucks is very exciting but requires some practice as they can drive at very high speeds. For this reason, it is important not only to know how to drive them but also to have a high-quality and handy transmitter. With the Traxxas TX TQi, you will see a difference right away. This controller offers simple controls. Just reduce sensibility of a throttle trigger, and then, by means of special controllers, regulate a steering response as you need. All buttons and switches are located on one side of the transmitter to be within easy reach. The operation of the Traxxas TX TQi requires 4 AA alkaline batteries; this made it possible to reduce the weight of the device and make it feel more comfortable in the hands. If you want to widen your options and have more control over your car, you can add a wireless module that will output all the information about your vehicle on the display of your smartphone online. Moreover, if you'd like to add some variety to your recreation activity, you can try and take a ride on an electric motorcycleThey are ecologically safe and designed for kids and adults alike. 

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $89.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B00LMISFY2

The Best for the Start

It's not a secret that radio-controlled cars and boats are very popular among teenagers and adults. A better part will agree that running a mini version of a car is not only exciting but also quite simple, especially, when doing it with the Flysky FS-GT3B. Since this transmitter doesn't have too many buttons, it works well even for a novice user. Moreover, the display screen is quite big and blue lit, which means, using it even in the dark won't be a problem. The navigation is very simple due to a user-friendly menu. There, you will find a number of settings, allowing you to regulate speed and steering wheel response when you need to change a driving area. Moreover, you can store up to 10 different models in memory of the transmitter and switch them anytime you need. Undoubtedly, this is a very useful function, especially if you own many RC cars or boats. You won't have to adjust the transmitter every time you change a car; the switch will take just a few minutes. 

A high-quality action camera will be a good addition to your RC vehicle. Due to its small size, you can place it on top of your vehicle and, as a result, not only participate in the race but also capture first-person view videos. 

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $45.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00HNJNXVY

By Water or by Land

The Futaba 2DR is a multifunction controller that you can use for controlling several types of RC models such as cars, aircraft, or boats. Due to its space-saving design and plastic case, it's quite handy, and both children and adults will find it very convenient to use. There are two channels on the transmitter, which means, you can command the speed of your transport with two balanced sticks, turning the blades and wheels in any direction. They have a convenient location and easy running for more accurate control. Moreover, there is a built-in handle to carry your Futaba when returning home. The antenna is another advantage of this device since you can fold it up easily and the RC will require less space during transportation or storage. The Futaba transmitter works on 8 AA batteries. Whenever the charge drops, the green and red LEDs will start to blink. The control accuracy is also achieved with the frequency range, that amounts at 27 MHz or 75MHz. In virtue of this, you will always have a clear signal.

When the weather is nasty and doesn't permit going outside, you can take advantage of video games consoles.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B000ZMATRC

Simple and Multi-Functional

As a rule, a transmitter for RC aircraft has many buttons and functions that are quite difficult for a beginner to understand. However, if you purchase the GoolRC FS-T6 H, you may not worry about that. Since it has a special function for novices, you can study every aspect of its operability carefully and in detail. Moreover, it has a big well-lit display to set up when it is dark, and handy sticks, knobs, and levers to support smooth running. Besides, they are all located within easy reach, hence they are very easy to regulate. You can control up to 20 different airplanes with this transmitter. Undoubtedly, this is quite a useful option, especially for owners of models of different helicopters, gliders, airplanes, etc. You can program 6 private channels, with 2.4 Gh signal between this transmitter and your flying model. That means you can pass the signal from a long distance of about 1000 feet. 

If you or your kid loves ultra modern devices, more likely than not hoverboards will come to liking of both of you. 

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B016D91CN0

What is an RC radio?

Control equipment is an accessory that allows you to run some types of radio-transport distantly. Due to radio operation, the distance between you and your plane can be quite long, that allows you to perform different tricks with it. A remote controller, or how it is more often called a transmitter, is the main gear that works in pair with a receiver installed on your model. The design of transmitters allows you to hold them in your hands without any discomfort and switch levers and sticks efficiently. There are only two types of such transmitters available on the market. The one is for use on the ground, for instance, to drive a car, the other one is for flying a glider, airplane or helicopter.

Also, since such equipment works on batteries, we recommend you to use rechargeable batteries. As it is obvious from the name, you can recharge them when they are low. And if you want to get the maximum from this entertainment, we advise you to consider purchasing RC drift cars. You can check on them in our review too.

Sources:

1. How To Choose RC Transmitter For Quadcopter, OscarLiang.

2. Michael James RC Transmitter and Receiver Troubleshooting, ThoughtCo. March 3, 2017.

3. Radio control, Wikipedia. February 16, 2017.

4. Terry Dunn RC Transmitter Guide: The Basics of Computer Radio Systems, tested. February 25, 2015.

5. Beginners Guide to Radio Control Airplanes, Instructables.

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